Blog.

Blog01 - Exploring other realities

Nichita Railean

Welcome to our first blog post on Extended Reality (XR). Whether you're new to this domain or a seasoned enthusiast, this series aims to offer valuable insights into the world of XR. Today, we'll tackle the foundational questions: What is XR, and why should we care?

What Even is XR?

Let's start by untangling the alphabet soup of AR, VR, MR, AV, and XR.

  • AR (Augmented Reality): Think Snapchat filters. AR layers digital elements over the real world.

  • VR (Virtual Reality): Imagine being in a game world. VR immerses you in a completely digital environment.

  • MR (Mixed Reality): MR blends real and digital worlds.

  • AV (Audio-Visual): Is about sound and visuals but isn't interactive like the others.

  • XR (Extended Reality) Exploring other realities: The umbrella term that covers AR, VR, and MR.

Traditional Apps vs. XR Apps

Traditional desktop and mobile applications are great. But XR? It's like stepping into the future. Imagine not just looking at a 3D model of a building on your screen but actually walking through it.

Advantages:

  • Immersive Experience: Unlike anything you've felt before.
  • Real-World Application: From healthcare simulation to gaming, the possibilities are endless.

Disadvantages

  • Hardware Requirements: Generally need more specialized equipment.
  • Accessibility: Not as widespread or as easy to access.

Use Cases and Value Addition

XR is not just for gaming; it’s being used for everything from virtual tours and education to medical simulations and remote work. The value it adds is the ability to engage with environments and situations that are otherwise difficult, expensive, or impossible to experience.

The Future and the Now

While the current tech is amazing, it's still far from the idealistic sci-fi portrayals. We're not quite at 'Ready Player One' levels of immersion, but we're getting there.

Immersion and Presence

The magic of XR lies in its ability to make you 'feel' like you're part of another world. Immersion is the sense of being physically present in a non-physical world. It’s the degree to which the digital experience feels "real." Presence, on the other hand, is the psychological aspect—it's how involved and mentally invested you are in the experience.

Input and Interactions

Unlike traditional apps where you might use a keyboard or touchscreen, XR often employs hand gestures, voice commands, and even full-body movements.

Problems XR Can Solve

From tackling phobias through VR exposure therapy to enhancing remote collaboration, XR has a myriad of applications that can solve real-world problems.

So there you have it, a beginner’s guide to what XR is and why it’s shaping up to be the next big thing in tech. In the next posts, we'll delve into the "how" of XR. Stay tuned!